Monthly Archives: August 2018

Video Surveillance Cameras are an Effective Tool to Protect your Home or Business

As a Home Owner, you want to make sure that your Family Members & Guests are safe. As a Business Owner you want to make sure that your Employees & Customers are safe. You also want to protect your property.

Installing a Video Surveillance System can provide the following benefits:

Crime Deterrent: Installing Video Cameras will deter crime just by being visible. Everyone knows that if you can see the camera, the camera can see you. The Best Defense, is a Good Offense.

Theft Reduction: Surveillance cameras are an excellent way to both prevent and reduce theft. Just the presence of security cameras usually reduces incidents of theft, saving you time and money.

Improve Employee Productivity: Video Surveillance in your business will improve worker productivity, as employees are more likely to work to their fullest potential when they know they are being monitored.

Improve Behavior: Video Surveillance will improve behavior at home or work, as people are more likely to act in an acceptable manner when they know they are being monitored.

Provide Evidence: A Video Surveillance system will enable you to provide critical evidence if a crime or incident does happen on your premises. If any criminal or suspicious activity occurs on or around your property, you will be able to provide still images, or video clips to provide visual evidence for investigation.

Resolve Disputes: Who took your lunch, Who ran into whose car. Who left at what time. Who was the last one to leave? Who was the last person in that room? With Video Surveillance, you have the answer to all these questions.

Real Time Remote Monitoring: Using a Viewing Application from a PC, Laptop, Tablet, or Smartphone will allow you to monitor your property from anywhere at any time over the internet.

7 X 24 Protection: Security cameras provide constant surveillance of your home or business even when you’re not there.

Reduce Costs: Having a Video Surveillance system can reduce insurance premiums. (check with your insurance carrier, agent, or broker)

Video Surveillance systems have vastly improved security and protection of homes and businesses. The range and options of surveillance cameras available in the marketplace has encouraged their deployment in many more locations. Recent advances in security cameras and surveillance systems have increased the use of security monitoring, management and enforcement which have helped thwart the activities of even sophisticated and experienced thieves and criminals.

ECS is an AVAYA Edge Emerald Level Business Partner located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.

Connect and Power A Second Network Device for Greater Deployment Flexibility: Offering greater flexibility in deployment, the EnStationAC features two (2) Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) 802.3at-compliant Gigabit ports. Connect and power a second device such as a remote IP surveillance camera or Access Point and power both via the included passive 54v Gigabit PoE Adapter up to 328 feet

EnGenius EnStationAC can extend a wireless network across large campus environments, over vast acreage in parks and recreational facilities, industrial, farming and ranching properties; in sizable indoor structures like arenas, shopping malls, warehouses and convention centers and in other challenging settings.

Point-to-Point & Point-to-Multipoint Deployments: Extended connectivity distances can be achieved when two EnStation units, of the same frequency band, are paired together in a Point-to-Point (PtP) or grouped with multiple units in a Point-to-Multipoint deployment. Aligning their respective dish-shaped antennas to directly face each other ensures each gets the full impact of the focused narrow wireless single beam, further reducing frequency interference over long-ranges.

Wireless Surveillance Scenario: Connect an IP Surveillance Camera to the EnStation’s secondary Gigabit (EnStationAC) Ethernet port and utilize its long-range connectivity to send surveillance video back through the wireless network for extended surveillance coverage. Tethering a series of IP Cameras to the EnStation gives you “eyes on” places you might not otherwise see, no matter how far away, with significantly better results than traditional non-tethered wireless surveillance setups.

ECS is an Authorized EnGenius Reseller located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.

Product Overview:Experience Affordable Professional Grade Video Security with Lorex. You get 5 Weatherproof 2K/4MP Super HD IP Bullet Security Cameras, with Real-Time Live View Day or Night and double the detail of 1080p. See more at a distance with the 1080p HD Pan-Tilt-Zoom dome camera. You can add 2 IP Cameras to expand up to 8-Channels, and record it for later with 3TB of space on a Security-Grade 100% Duty Cycle Hard Drive. Connect to your Smartphone or Tablet through Lorex Secur App in 3 Simple Steps.

4MP Super HD Resolution: Capture clear video using the 4MP HD IP Bullet Cameras with double the detail of 1080p so you never miss the important details. Zoom in with the controllable Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera for even more scene clarity. Connect NVR to a 4K TV (not included) with the included HDMI cable and experience full 4K viewing.

True High Dynamic Range (HDR): The security cameras included are equipped with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and render crystal clear images for accurate identification in high-contrast and strong lighting conditions.

Color Night Vision (CNV): Experience the security benefit of innovative Color Night Vision (CNV) technology with the included 1080p HD PTZ Dome Camera. Make nighttime recognition of people and objects easier using clear color video in low light conditions like porchlights and streetlights.

Connected On-the-Go: Get set up in an instant and stay connected with the FREE Lorex Secure App. Get important Motion Alerts on-the-go and enjoy Remote Live Viewing in HD, and review recorded videos. Download the FREE Lorex Secure App on any Smartphone or Tablet.

Storage Capacity & Flexible Recording: Up to 30 days of Continuous Recording or up to 2 months of Motion Recording with Customizable Recording Resolution, Frame Rate, and Quality settings. The 3TB Security-Grade Hard Drive is 100% Duty Cycle, designed for Surveillance and reliability. You can expand up to 12TB of storage space with 2× 6TB hard drives (not included).

ECS is an Authorized Lorex Reseller located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.

What is Low Voltage Cabling? People use lots of different terms; VDV (for Voice, Data, & Video), Data/Voice, Voice/Data, Low Voltage, Limited Energy, Teledata, Tel/Data, Datacom, Premises Cabling, but most call it “Structured Cabling” after the “TIA 568″ Standard. It’s the infrastructure for telephone and LAN connections in most commercial installations and even in some modern homes. It’s also used for fire alarms, building management, audio and video.

Here are some common cabling terms:

AWG (American Wire Gage): A standard method to measure wire. The numbering system works backwards, thicker/heavier wire has a lower the number. (Example; a 24AWG wire is thicker/heavier than a 26AWG wire)

Bandwidth: The range of frequencies used to describe the potential capacity of the device or system. The numerical value is expressed in Hz (Hertz) or Megahertz (MHz) and used for both copper and fiber.

CAT3: Cable has a maximum frequency range of 16 MHz. It was typically used for voice and low speed networks. (Rarely used anymore)

CAT5: Cable was used for networks and multi-line phone systems. It had a maximum frequency of 100 MHz and could transmit up to 10/100Mbps. Category 5 (CAT5) was defined in ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A, but is not used with ANSI/TIA/EIA 568B. (Rarely used anymore)

CAT5e: Cable is used for networks and multi-line phone systems. It has a maximum frequency of 100 MHz and can transmit up to 10/100/1000Mbps. Category 5 Enhanced (CAT5e) will work with ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A and ANSI/TIA/EIA 568B. (Most Common Cabling used today)

CAT6: Cable is used for networks and multi-line phone systems. It has a maximum frequency of 250 MHz and can transmit up to 10/100/1000Mbps. (quickly becoming the standard go to cabling)

CAT6A: Cable is used for networks, it has a maximum frequency of 500 MHz and can transmit up to 10/100/1000Mbps and 10Gbps. (used for stringent high bandwidth needs)

Coaxial: Cable contains a center core conductor, and a second conductor wrapped around it. The second conductor can be made from different types of braided conductors (typically au – gold, cu – copper, and al – aluminum) or a metal foil. The outer wire is typically the ground.

DB9 (RS-488): Connector is a 9-Pin serial connection used on most laptop and desktop computers, as well as token ring connections. DB connectors are gender specific (Male/Female), so when ordering or connecting any DB connector, make sure you have the correct gender on the cable.

DB25 (RS-232): connector is a 25-Pin connection used on most desktop computers to connect serial or parallel ports together. DB connectors are gender specific (Male/Female).

Half-Duplex: – In data communications, Duplex transmissions are bi-directional. Half-Duplex allows transmission in both directions, however only one at a time.

Full Duplex: In data communications, Duplex transmissions are bi-directional. Full-Duplex allows transmission in both directions at the same time. (Full-Duplex allows more information to be transferred)

Drain Wire: An uninsulated wire inside a shielded cable that runs the length of the cable and acts as a grounding point for the shield.

Ethernet: is a broadcast network where when one station transmits a message, all stations will “hear” the message, but only the addressed station will “open” the message. Ethernet has become a standard for LANs and has gone from 10Mbps to 1000Mbps over the last 20 years.

F-Connector: are used on coaxial cable, typically used with Cable TV, VCR’s, Security Systems, Satellite Systems and other Video applications. The most common cables used are RG58, RG59 and RG6. The connectors come either in a single or 2-piece set. They can either be crimped, soldered, or twisted on.

Fiber: Is a thin strand of glass or plastic optical fiber that transmits light impulses.

Frequency: Is the number of cycles or waves per second, expressed in Hertz, (Hz). In structured cabling the information carrying capacity (bandwidth) is measured in Hz.

Gender Changer: A small adapter that changes the gender of a connector.

Gigabit (Gb): The transmission speed of 1 billion bits of information. Transmission speeds are measured in bits per second, therefore a Gigabit is 1 billion bits of information per second. More commonly known as Gigabit, Gb, or 1000Mbps.

Hertz (Hz): A unit used in the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second. Frequency is generally measured in Kilohertz (KHz) or Megahertz (Mhz).

Ethernet Switch: Is a network device that is used as a central location in a wired LAN. The Ethernet Switch controls, manages, and directs information through the segment of the network connected to it.

IEEE: (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): Has set most of the LAN standards through the 802 series.

Impedance: Is a measure of the total opposition to current flow in an alternating current circuit, made up of two components. With higher speed and bandwidth networks, the impedance of the cable plant as a whole, can affect the networks performance.

Impact Tool: Have a spring-loaded head that when used will punch down on the conductor and into a 66/110 block.

Latency: Is the amount of delay a signal has when going through a network or a part of a network. The Total Latency is calculated by adding together all the time delays through each device and media.

MAC Address: Every network device (network interface card, router, etc.) has its own unique address. A computer without a NIC card does not have an address. The IEEE assigns each address and prevents duplicate addresses from happening.

Megabit Per Second (Mbps): Is a measurement of the transmission speed of a piece of equipment or network equal to 1-million bits per second.

Megahertz (MHz): Is a unit of frequency measurement equal to 1-million Hz or cycles per second. Megahertz is one measurement of bandwidth, or information carrying capacity of a network, cable or connectors. Generally, Hz should not be confused with Bps (bits per second).

Network Interface Card (NIC): The network interface card is the point where the computer is connected to the local area network. The NIC is matched to the type and speed of the network, ie; 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet.

Noise: Is a random and/or persistent induction of unwanted electrical or radio frequency signals onto a cable which interferes with and/or degrades the quality of the signal.

Ohm: Is a unit of resistance. The measurement of the opposition to the flow of direct current is resistance. One volt will cause 1 ampere to flow through 1 Ohm of resistance.

Ohms Law: Is the mathematical relationship between Ohms(R), volts(V) and Amps(I). Technically it states that current (I) is directly proportionate to voltage and inversely proportionate to resistance. The mathematical equations are: V = I x R or I = V/R or R = V/I.

Plenum Cable: In some buildings, the entire space above the drop ceiling is used as a return air pathway instead of a set of ducts. Therefore, air circulated within that space gets distributed throughout the floor, or the building. If a cable located in an open-air plenum has a PVC jacket and catches fire, the toxic fumes would spread throughout the entire floor via the open plenum, thereby suffocating or at least impairing people’s ability to get out of the building. To overcome this, some cables are coated with Teflon to prevent the spread of flame and toxic fumes. Individual states regulate what types of cables are acceptable as a minimum standard. Extreme care must be taken by the installer and designer to ensure the proper cables are specified and installed.

Plenum Cable: Plenum rated cable has been specifically engineered to be placed in the plenum air space above a suspended ceiling. In the event of a fire, the components of the jacket and conductor insulation will not give off toxic fumes and are slower to burn. A plenum rated cable will have on it one or both of the following markings: FT-6 or CMP. Both of these markings are recognized in the United States and Canada.

Polyvinylchloride PVC: A thermoplastic flame and water retardant material commonly used in the construction of communications and other building cables. Although flame retardant, PVC gives off toxic fumes when burned. For this reason, many city, county, or state codes do not allow PVC based cables to be installed in return air plenums or ducts in case of fire, instead Plenum rated cable is used.

RG-58: Is a 50 Ohm coaxial cable used with Cable TV and BNC environments.

RG-59: Is a 75 Ohm coaxial cable used with Cable TV. It is the old standard for home installations, now installers are using the new RG6 cable.

RG-6: Is a 75 Ohm coaxial cable used with Cable TV, Satellite and High Definition TV. It is also becoming the minimal standard for home installations due to its’ full frequency capacity.

RG-6 Quad Shield: Is a 75 Ohm coaxial cable used with Cable TV, Satellite and High Definition TV. It is also becoming the minimal standard for home installations due to its’ full frequency capacity. This cable is quad shielded which will help prevent line interference and noise.

RG-62: Is a 93 Ohm coaxial cable.

SC Connector: Is a type of fiber optic connector that uses a push to snap on/push to snap off connector. The SC connector can be used with both multi-mode and single-mode fiber.

ST Connector: Is a fiber optic connector that uses twist-on/twist-off.

STP: is Shielded Twisted Pair.

UTP: is Unshielded Twisted Pair.

Twisted Pair Cable: is a cable consisting of individual conductors twisted in pairs around each other. The purpose of twisting the conductors around each other is to reduce the effects of crosstalk.

TIA-568B: Is the standard which governs the installation of cabling and components in a commercial building. The full name is ANSI/TIA/EIA 568B, although it more commonly goes by 568B.

TIA-569: Is the standards document published by the TIA governing the design and installation of pathways and spaces for cable used in those pathways and spaces as they relate commercial buildings. The full name is ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A, although it more commonly goes by 569A.

code sets standards for fire protection for construction and is a legal requirement in most cities.

Wavelength: Is the distance between a point on one wave to the similar point on the next wave. The number of times this happens over a given period of time, (normally 1 second) is the frequency. Frequency is measured in Hertz.

Telecom Room: The location of the connection between horizontal cabling to the backbone.

Main Distribution Frame (MDF): Is an old telco term for the location of the main electronics in a building. Today, we call it the Equipment Room.

Intermediate Distribution Frame (MDF): Is a termination/equipment location in between the MDF and a specific endpoint. (usually installed because of distance between an endpoint and MDF exceeds maximum allowed distances by equipment)

Jack/Outlet: The jack on the wall which is connected to a desktop computer or phone by a patch cord

RJ-45: Is the popular name of the modular 8-Pin connector used in structured cabling systems.

Patch Panel: Is a rack or box where cables are terminated – usually in 110 punch downs and interconnected with patch cords.

Horizontal Cabling: Is the connection from the equipment room to the jack/outlet

Backbone Cabling: Is the cabling that connects all the IDF’s to the MDF

10Base-T: 10 Mbps

100Base-TX: 100 Mbps

1000Base-T: Gigabit (Gb)

Power over Ethernet (PoE): The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet committee added provisions for powering devices off the spare pairs in a 4-pair UTP cable.

♦ Cloud; Video Images are Live Streamed to a Server on the Internet to Store your Video Recordings.

♦ Digital Video Recorder (DVR); Video Images are Live Streamed over Analog Coax Cable to your DVR to Store your Video Recordings. (Images are converted from Analog to Digital at the DVR)

♦ Network Video Recorder (NVR); Video Images are Live Streamed over CAT5e/CAT6 Cable to your DVR to Store your Video Recordings. (Images are Digital from the Camera all the way to your NVR)

Some DVR/NVR’s may come without storage. You may have to separately purchase a Hard Drive, USB Drive, Connect the DVR/NVR to a PC, etc. in order store recordings. In this case, you can View and Monitor, but you CAN’T Record. (Look for Security-Grade Hard Drives) (If you don’t know how the Video Surveillance System that you’re thinking of buying works, talk to people who do)

Some DVR/NVR’s allow you to back up to Cloud Storage as an extra layer of security. Be aware that most Cloud Storage is available for a Monthly Fee.

Common Camera Types:

Indoor/Outdoor;Camera is suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications

Night Vision;View video during the day and with night vision at night.

Color Night Vision;View Color video during the day and night (Color at night has distance limitations)

High Efficiency Video Compression HEVC/H.265 compression: Look for HEVC compression technology. HEVC is also known as H.265 or MPEG-H Part 2. HEVC is used to compress video file sizes without noticeable difference in quality. This allows you retain 4K footage without 4K file sizes. It also lets you watch the highest quality security footage while you are away from your home or business without large data transfers.

Digital Noise Reduction (DNR): technology is used to filter out noise from low-light settings, as well as any noise caused by motion. By eliminating graininess, your camera provides a cleaner, more accurate image with better clarity, sharpness, and improved motion detection. DNR also helps reduce video file sizes, providing longer record times.

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) is a term used in the surveillance camera industry to refer to High Dynamic Range Imaging. Cameras with WDR have software that enables them to balance lighting for one clear image, even when part of an image is extremely dark and another part is so bright you can’t see any details.

Video Surveillance Systems can usually be set to Continuous Recording, Scheduled Recording , and/or Motion Detection Recording on a Camera by Camera basis.

Regional Motion Zones: Create custom motion zones for different camera. These zones can be programmed to adjust both the sensitivity (the amount of movement required to register that movement) and threshold (how much movement is required before creating a motion “event”) for motion detection in different areas of the camera’s field of view. So more important areas, like a door, can be set to record or create a motion event at the slightest movement, while a tree or bush would need a lot more movement to set off the motion detection.

Privacy Masking: Sometimes there are areas within a camera’s field of view (FOV) that you simply do not want to record. Most newer Cameras allow you to program your NVR to literally mask out these sections.

With or Without the Internet: Standalone camera systems (DVR/NVR) do not need the internet to operate. Internet connectivity is required if you wish to use remote monitoring via Smartphone, Tablet, or PC.

4K (8Megapixel) Ultra HD (UHD) Resolution (4×1080p Full HD): 4K resolution offers Four (4) times the Resolution of 1080p with approximately 4000 horizontal pixels, providing the maximum level of detail and clarity available today.

2K (4-Megapixel) Super HD Resolution (2×1080p Full HD): 2K resolution offers Two (2) times the Resolution of 1080p. 2K cameras provide Two (2) times the amount of pixels as a 1080p camera.

Real-Time 30FPS Recording Rate: Recording at 30 FPS will provide exceptionally smooth on-screen movement and provide more frames to choose from when cycling through footage.

Check around your home or business and confirm what you want to see, monitor, and/or record. That should give you a good idea of how many cameras you need.

What type of system should you buy? Well, do you want high maintenance or low? Do you want good picture quality? Do you want Alerts to movement or activity? Do you want Remote Viewing? How long do you want to Store video recordings? (storage = Money)

Installing a Video Surveillance system that utilizes Cloud Storage is going to consume a large amount of your internet access. Streaming video over your internet to the cloud-based storage is a bandwidth killer. Expect a slow network and even slower downloads. Watching streaming television will become problematic.

Remote Viewing is accomplished from a smartphone, tablet, or PC across the internet. It does not have to mean that you poke holes in your firewall/router and compromise the security of your local network. If you don’t know how to do any of that, talk to people who do.(You will be using the internet access at your home during the period that you are remote viewing regardless of the type of system that you install)

Wired or Wireless Cameras? If you plan to use Wireless Cameras how are you going to power them? Are you going to pay an electrician to install a power outlet everywhere you want a Wireless camera? No, then I assume that you will be installing Battery Powered cameras, and that you plan to monitor the battery life and get up on a ladder to replace as needed. (even when it’s dark, raining, or snowing, because that’s when batteries die, we all now that)

Would you buy a 1960’s black and white TV? Then why would you buy a DVR with coax cable and analog cameras at 1080P resolution? You’ve seen the videos on TV from convenience store robberies with a screen full of snow and a shape moving around.

Buy a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and Wired IP Cameras in 4K/8-Megapixel Resolution if you want Facial Recognition and to read License Plates. Buy Day/Night, Weatherproof, Vandal-Resistant Cameras. Buy current technology at never seen before price points.

If you’re afraid of having your Network Video Recorder (NVR) (Storage) stolen, then don’t have it installed on your coffee table, entertainment center, kitchen counter, or your dresser. Have it installed out of sight. The cameras are the deterrent, not the storage device. Protect your storage device, hide, lock it up, whatever. If you don’t know how to do any of that, talk to people who do.

Voicemail Pro can handle 40 (up to 250/500 on Server Edition/ Server Edition Select) simultaneous calls depending on licensing. Each user has the option of turning their voicemail on or off. When on, the system automatically answers their telephone when they are not available to take a call, plays a personal greeting, and records a message.

When a message has been left, the user will see a message-waiting lamp lit on their telephone and can press a retrieval button to collect their messages.

Voicemail Pro can also ring the user to deliver any new messages. Voicemail messages are time and date stamped and the caller’s number recorded. Voicemail Pro can be configured to delete read messages automatically, unless the user chooses to save the message permanently.

Voicemails can be collected remotely by dialing into the Voicemail Pro server. If the number the user is dialing from is recognized (home number or mobile/cell phone for example), the user will listen to their voicemail straight away. If the source number is not recognized, the user will be prompted for a mailbox number and a PIN code for that mailbox, before they can listen to their voicemail. Users have the ability to set and change their own PIN codes.

When a voicemail needs to be forwarded to other users, Voicemail Pro provides many options:

♦ Voicemails can be forwarded to another mailbox, or group of mailboxes

♦ Recipients can add their comments to the voicemail before forwarding to another mailbox or mailboxes.

♦ Voicemails can be forwarded as email WAV attachments.

All options are available in a choice of languages; both spoken voice prompts and graphical programming interfaces and have the choice of IP Office TUI and INTUITY emulation TUI.

Preferred Edition/Voicemail Pro Requires a Server. (external or UC Module in a bay of the IP500V2)

Preferred Edition/Voicemail Pro Runs as a service

There are multiple features available with Preferred Edition/Voicemail Pro that are not available with Essential Edition (Embedded) messaging. (some require additional licenses)

♦ Group Broadcast

♦ Unified Messaging Service (UMS)

♦ Integration with Microsoft Exchange Server

♦ Capable to interact with Blackberry solution

♦ Resilience and Backup

♦ Small Community Network (SCN) Operation

♦ Centralized Voicemail Services

♦ Distributed Voicemail Servers in an SCN

♦ Voicemail Ring Back (Internal and external)

♦ Voicemail Help TUI

♦ Extended personal Greetings

♦ Continuous Loop Greeting

♦ Listen to Email (Text to Speech)

♦ Pause Message

♦ Oldest message first/newest message first Message Playback

♦ Set Message Priority

♦ Set automatic message deletion timeframe

♦ Alphanumeric Data Collection

♦ Queue Position Announcement

♦ Time in Queue Announcement

♦ Time in System Announcement

♦ Estimated Time to Answer (ETA)

♦ Exit Queue to alternative answer point

♦ Message Announcements

♦ Whisper Announce

♦ Alarm Calls

♦ Assisted Transfers

♦ Tamper proofed / verified Call Recording

♦ Test Conditions

♦ Personal Numbering

♦ Speaking Clock

♦ Campaign Manager

♦ Voicemail Pro Manager

♦ Customized Voicemail

♦ Intuity TUI emulation mode

♦ Forward Emails to External Systems (VPIM)

♦ Third Party Database Access (IVR)

♦ Text to Speech within Call Flows

♦ Call Transfer Announcement

♦ Support for Visual Basic Scripts

ECS is an AVAYA Edge Emerald Level Business Partner located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.